20 DIY projects to help you (or the kids) stay sharp while at home

Image: CircuitMess

By StackCommerceMashable Shopping2020-03-28 09:00:00 UTC

There are only so many hours you can watch Netflix or play Animal Crossing until you crave some other activity (and brain stimulation). Plus, doing something constructive might inspire your kids (or roommates) and keep their minds curious during these weird times. 

If you’re looking for a way to challenge your brain a little and entertain yourself in the process, check out some of these do-it-yourself engineering and science projects. If you do have kids, here’s a hot tip: you don’t have to tell the little ones they’re educational. To them, it’ll just be fun, quality time. Plus, you’ll end up with something pretty cool afterward. There’s a project for just about every age group and budget, and most are even on sale.

$

DIY Robotic Art Kit for Ages 6 to 9

Introduce your elementary schoolers to the world of STEM with this Robotic Art Kit. It comes with ten different creative DIY projects that allow them to explore not just science and robotics, but art, too. Plus, there are many more project ideas to explore in the free app. Usually $69, it’s on sale for just $49.95.

3Doodler Start Essentials 3D Printing Pen Set

Earning itself titles like ‘Toy of the Year’ and the ‘2016 National Parenting Product’, it’s safe to say the 3Doodler is a great product. It uses low-heat and BPA-free, non-toxic plastic to let kids create illustrations and figurines in 3D. Honestly, even adults will have fun with it. This set comes with the pen, two packs of eco-plastic, and a start project book. Grab it for $49.95.

Circuit Scribe: DIY Circuit Kits

Circuit Scribe turns a seemingly ordinary piece of printer paper into a working circuit board for creating things like buzzers, motors, and blinking lights. The kit has everything you need to get started with circuits, including a pen, modules, and an easy-to-follow instructional booklet. Plus, it’s on sale for just $32.99 (usually $58.99).

BONDIC® Starter Kit and Extra Refill

This liquid plastic solidifies when you cure it with UV LED light, making it the ultimate fixer-upper tool for even the trickiest of items or a way to create your product from scratch. The starter kit comes with a handheld applicator, light, 4g tube of liquid adhesive, and a handy metal case – and it’s on sale for just $14.99 (40% off).

SunFounder Nano DIY 4-DOF Robot Kit

Programming this “Sloth” robot to dance, play, or walk might just be the most fun way of learning robotics. It won’t even feel like learning to code. Plus, it’s on sale for only $46.95.

$$

Arduino Automatic Smart Plant Watering Kit 2.0

Learn how to dabble in DIY electronics and keep up to four plants hydrated at all times with this smart watering kit. Get started for just $69.99.

DIY Robot Curiosity Kit for Ages 8 to 10

This curiosity kit is a great stepping stone for kiddos 8 to 10 to learn how to develop and design functioning robotic technology. It gets them interested in STEM and keeps them busy with hours of fun. Plus, it’s on sale for $99.95, down from $119.

3Doodler Start Mega 3D Printing Pen Set

Taking the 3Doodler to the next level, this set comes with a variety of resources (the 3D pen, 3Doodler Eco-Plastic, DoodleBlocks, and activity guide) to make 3D printing possible practically anywhere. Get it for just $99.99.

DIY Coding Kit for Ages 8 to 12

Start your kids out young on their coding journey with this interactive kit for 8 to 12-year-olds. Its got everything kids need to build something cool and gain a basic understanding of computer programming. Plus, it’s on sale for $79.95 (regularly $99).

3Doodler Create+ Essentials 3D Printing Pen Set

Another 3Doodler set, this one comes with the newest version of the 3Doodler, the Create+, three packs of ABS and PLA 3mm 3Doodler plastic refills in 15 colors, and the ultimate guide of doodling with five projects to try. It’s just $79.95.

SunFounder Robotic Arm Edge Kit for Arduino

Your kids might not listen, but this robotic arm does whatever you tell it to with the help of this Arduino kit, which features all the tools and instruction you need to get started. It’s usually $70, but you can get it on sale for just $54.99.

MAKERbuino Educational DIY Game Console (Standard Kit)

Rather than posting up in front of the PS4, you and your kids can build your own handheld video game device with this MAKERbuino Educational DIY Game Console Kit. It takes about five hours of work assembling and is totally customizable and playable. Get it for $69.99.

Crowtail Starter Kit For Micro:bit 2.0

Create robots, musical instruments, and everything in between, even if you have no coding background, with this Crowtail Starter Kit for the BBC Micro:bit pocket-sized computer. Get the kit for just $89.99.

DIY Bionic Robot Lizard

If you’re a kid at heart, check out this DIY Bionic Robot Lizard. It gives you all the tools to build a fully functional robot lizard that you can control through visual programming language software. Usually priced at $65.99, you can get it on sale for $54.95.

Crowtail NodeMCU Internet of Things Kit

With 19 DIY lessons and 30 different modules you can build, the Cowtail NodeMCU lets you dive headfirst into the wonderful world of building electronics. You’ll learn to create laser pointers, sensors, and more for just $89.99.

$$$

SunFounder PiCar-V Kit V2.0 for Raspberry Pi 4

Got a preteen? Help them unleash their inner inventor with this STEM learning kit. It’s complete with all the components and tools they need to build a car camera robot with Raspberry Pi. Grab it on sale for just $104.95.

Ringo DIY Mobile Phone Kit and Tools

It may not stand up to your brand-new iPhone 11, but this Arduino-based, DIY mobile phone building kit is still pretty sick. You’ll put it together yourself, learning about programming in Python and Scratch, as well as the basics of electronics along the way. Get the kit and the tools you’ll need all for just $179.95.

Elecrow Raspberry Pi 3 Starter Kit

Build your own computer that can surf the web with this Raspberry Pi 3 Starter Kit. It comes with an LCD touchscreen, WiFi adapter, and of course, an instruction manual to show you how it all works. And it’s just $108.99.

SparkMaker Original SLA 3D Printer Starter Bundle

See your digital designs come to life with this SparkMaker Starter Bundle. All you have to do is insert an AD card with your pre-loaded design, and in a matter of minutes, it’ll start to appear right before your eyes. It’s typically $396, but it’s on sale for just $299.95.

CrowPi Raspberry Pi Accessory Kit

Already got a Raspberry Pi? Connect it to this accessory kit, and you can get started with all kinds of tutorials and components for building a ton of DIY projects. Plus, with the built-in touchscreen and camera, you can use the kit as a full-on computer. Get it on sale for $220.99.